Storage facilities for liquefied gases and / or hazardous liquids

Abstract

The present invention relates to a storage facility (1) for liquefied gases and / or liquids, comprising a covering layer (3) of a tank (71) made of a polymer material or a mixture of polymer materials, and an intermediate layer (5) arranged between the covering layer (3) and the wall (8, 9, 10) of the tank (71), the intermediate layer (5) allowing gas circulation so that the intermediate layer (5) is pressed against the wall (8, 9, 10) of the tank (71) and / or allowing detection of liquids or gases coming from the storage space (4) in the event of loss of sealing of the covering layer (3) and / or liquids or gases coming from outside the storage space (4) in the event of loss of sealing of the tank (71).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of storage installations for liquefied gases and / or hazardous liquids, in particular comprising separate closed tanks of type A, type B or type C according to the IGC Code. In the context of the present invention, the definitions given for separate tanks of type A, type B and type C according to the IGC Code refer to the International Code of the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk, 2016 edition.

[0002] The present invention therefore relates in particular, but not exclusively, to the field of closed tanks for storing and / or transporting cryogenic liquefied gases, such as tanks for transporting ammonia, which tanks may also be installed on land or on floating structures. [Background technology]

[0003] The prior art includes French Patent Application Publication No. 2996556, which describes a liner or inner coating for a compressed natural gas (CNG) tank of the polyamide type, containing 10% to 30% by weight of at least one impact modifier, which may optionally consist of rubber.US Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0203845 also describes a hydrogen reservoir comprising a polyamide and copolyamide liner containing 15% to 20% of an impact modifier.

[0004] Also, US Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0080106 describes a tank for liquid fluids under pressure having a metal main wall and a liner made of polyethylene, a polyethylene-based copolymer, or a C3-C8 block polyolefin.

[0005] Finally, German Utility Model No. 202010017414 describes a cylindrical reservoir for gases, which comprises a liner consisting of a polyamide matrix, a functional additive, a copolymer of an olefin and an acrylic ester, and a buffering agent.

[0006] All of these solutions undoubtedly improve the sealing of the tank, but they are very incomplete in terms of their intended function of preventing leakage or the ingress of foreign objects from the storage space after the sealing of the tank wall has been breached, and they are also complicated and expensive to install inside the tank.

[0007] In fact, installing a polymer liner is particularly difficult to achieve results that improve the sealing of tanks that have somewhat less homogeneous surfaces on different interior surfaces, since the polymer liner often adheres badly to the metal walls.

[0008] In light of this fact, the Applicant has sought to overcome the drawbacks of such tanks and, after various experiments and analyses, has discovered that it is desirable and particularly advantageous to separate the liner or inner coating from the wall of the tank.

[0009] Furthermore, with this type of tank it is not possible to detect defects in the seals, in particular to prevent liquefied gases or hazardous liquids from entering the structure of the installation. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The Applicant has therefore designed a reliable, modular and relatively inexpensive system that is simple to use and extremely effective, firstly allowing for an optimal fixation of the liner, taking into account its sealing function (hereinafter the term "liner" will be replaced by the expression "covering layer"), and secondly allowing for other very useful functions, in particular the monitoring, control and warning of any case of loss of tank sealing, including situations in which the tank wall is damaged due to a collision / impact or road traffic accident, before this loss is reflected in a leak from a storage space that is important for the structure of the installation, typically a ship. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention therefore relates to a storage facility for liquefied gases and / or liquids, comprising: - a sealed tank for storing liquefied gas and / or liquid, the sealed tank being a metal tank having a wall with an inner surface and an outer surface, the wall including a lower wall, an upper wall, and a side wall connecting the lower wall and the upper wall, and defining a space for storing the liquefied gas and / or liquid; a deformable covering layer made of a polymer material or a mixture of polymer materials, which covers the inner surface of the tank wall; This relates to a storage facility equipped with the above.

[0012] The present invention relates to a storage facility comprising an intermediate layer arranged between a covering layer and a wall of a tank, the covering layer being discontinuously anchored and / or fixed to the intermediate layer and / or the intermediate layer being discontinuously anchored and / or fixed to the wall, said intermediate layer comprising: - the intermediate layer and thus the covering layer are pressed against the wall of the tank; and / or - by means of a fluid detection device it is possible to detect liquids or gases coming from the storage space in the event of loss of sealing of the covering layer and / or liquids or gases coming from outside said storage space in the event of loss of sealing of the tank, It is characterized by allowing gas circulation.

[0013] In this way, the covering layer is not attached to the tank or reservoir, so that the covering layer does not undergo the same deformations as the tank in the event of an external impact.

[0014] Without consuming it, this type of cover / intermediate layer configuration, combined with the fact that the intermediate layer allows the circulation of gas in order to press the intermediate layer and / or to detect fluids coming from the tank or from outside the tank, - The surface of the polymer coating inside the tank is smoothed, - limited friction between the polymer coating and the inner surface of the tank wall; - Flushing with an inert gas such as nitrogen inhibits corrosion of the tank's internal surfaces, - By circulating gas in the interlayer, the interlayer space can be monitored, i.e. any fluid circulating in the interlayer space can be easily analyzed and any leaks coming from the storage space or from outside the tank can be detected. It provides the following characteristics and advantages:

[0015] The expression "loss of seal" means the presence of a fluid leak penetrating the intermediate layer, either at the level of the covering layer (= loss of seal of the storage space) or at the level of at least one wall of the tank (= loss of seal of the tank).

[0016] "Noxious liquid" means a liquid that is flammable, toxic or corrosive / reactive. As for "liquefied gas", this expression is known per se and is specifically defined in the IGC Code. It may refer, for example, to methane or ammonia, preferably ammonia, as will become clear below.

[0017] Thus, for example, liquefied natural gas (LNG) is naturally part of the definition of liquefied gas, but may likewise fall within the definition of a hazardous liquid, particularly since liquefied natural gas is flammable. Similarly, ammonia is specifically a "hazardous liquid" herein because it is toxic, flammable, and corrosive, but is often found stored in tanks in liquefied gas form. Finally, kerosene, diesel, and fuel oil are defined herein as "hazardous liquids" due to their toxicity, particularly the risk of contaminating aquifers.

[0018] The expression "gas circulation" means that the intermediate layer is permeable to gases, so that any type of gas can be circulated between any two spaced apart points on the intermediate layer, typically a point located on the upper wall and a point located on the lower wall, and when a conventional pump or circulation pump is used between these two points, gas circulation can be achieved by applying a slight pressure or vacuum (typically at least 5 mbarg) at the two points without significantly deforming the intermediate layer.

[0019] Therefore, more precisely, if we consider only the materials forming the intermediate layer, we can say that at least: - If the interlayer is essentially made of glass fibre or other types of fibre, such as basalt fibre, carbon fibre, aramid fibre or stainless steel fibre, it must meet the requirements of ISO 8841 standard for a resistance of 100 mDarcy (1 mDarcy = 0.0987 x 10) at ambient temperature (20°C) and in air according to ISO 8841 standard. -12 m 2 ), - 100 mDarcy in air and at ambient temperature (20°C) according to standard ISO 7229 (2015), if the intermediate layer consists essentially of a plastic or rubber matrix impregnated with textile fibres; - If the intermediate layer consists essentially of thermoplastics, elastomers or rubber, it must be 100 mDarcy in air and at ambient temperature (20°C) according to ISO 2782-1 (2016) standard. There is an intrinsic permeability of the intermediate layer equal to

[0020] It should be noted that when the intermediate layer consists essentially of a plastic or rubber matrix impregnated with textile fibers, or when it consists essentially of a thermoplastic, elastomer or rubber, it is advantageously provided with channels or the like that allow the flow circulation of gas.

[0021] In the broadest sense, the invention is intended to apply regardless of the shape and size of the tank, and therefore a tank is defined herein only to include a top wall, a bottom wall and side walls, in particular cylindrical, but also polyhedral in shape, without in fact any planar side walls (simply a single curved side wall) or, conversely, without multiple side walls.

[0022] Also, in its broadest sense, the coating layer can consist of any type of polymer or mixture of polymers, provided that it is compatible with the use, i.e. is chemically and physically compatible (does not react or deteriorate physically and chemically) with, in particular, the liquefied gases and / or hazardous liquids contained in the tank.

[0023] By way of non-limiting example, the covering layer according to the invention may consist of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene, preferably high density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), propylene, polyamide, preferably nylon, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), neoprene, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and co-laminates thereof, fluoroelastomers (FKM), such as Viton®, or perfluoroelastomers (FFKM), such as Kalrez®, natural rubber and its derivatives, or a mixture (multilayer or mixed matrix) of at least two of these polymers.

[0024] By convention, the terms "exterior" and "interior" are used to define the relative location of one element with respect to the other with reference to the interior and exterior of the tank.

[0025] Other advantageous features of the present invention are briefly described below.

[0026] To compress the intermediate layer, the storage facility advantageously comprises a compressing system for compressing the intermediate layer against the wall of the tank, said compressing system comprising: - means for depressurizing the intermediate layer to an average vacuum of at least 5 mbarg; and / or - Means for pressurizing the storage space of the tank to an average pressure of at least 5 mbarg Equipped with.

[0027] In the context of the present invention, the expressions "average reduced pressure" and "average increased pressure" are - for the pressurization of the storage space, the average pressurization takes into account the pressure levels at various locations on the covering surface, said various locations being distributed over or relative to at least the side, top and bottom walls of the tank; - for the pressure reduction in the intermediate layer, the average pressure reduction takes into account the pressure reduction at the level of various positions in the coating layer, said various positions being distributed over or relative to at least the side, top and bottom walls of the tank; means.

[0028] The intermediate layer advantageously comprises: - anchored to the tank wall by mechanical and / or chemical means; and / or - Chemically fixed to the coating layer.

[0029] The expression "mechanically fixed" means that the fixation between the two associated elements is achieved by elements that form a physical connection without relying on electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic or chemical energy (such as adhesives).

[0030] The coating layer preferably has a thickness comprised between 1 millimeter (mm) and 9 millimeters, preferably between 2 mm and 6 mm.

[0031] According to one particularly interesting aspect of the invention, the coating layer (polymer or mixture of polymers) advantageously has a glass transition temperature T 1 lower than the liquefaction temperature of the liquefied gas and / or hazardous liquid at atmospheric pressure. v It has.

[0032] The covering layer preferably consists of an elastomer, preferably EPDM. Naturally, as indicated above, the preferred choice of such covering layer is directly related to the nature of the liquefied gas and / or hazardous liquid contained in the tank.

[0033] For hydrocarbons such as diesel or kerosene, coatings made from Kalrez® or Viton® are preferred.

[0034] Advantageously, the covering layer comprises reinforcing fibers, preferably glass fibers.

[0035] Non-limiting preferred examples of reinforcing fibers include basalt, carbon, aramid or stainless steel fibers present in a polymer or a mixture of polymers (matrix) in the form of a mat, felt or fabric.

[0036] The intermediate layer preferably has a thickness of 2 mm to 30 mm, inclusive, preferably 4 mm to 10 mm, inclusive.

[0037] The average vacuum or pressure in each of the intermediate layer and the storage space, produced by means of the pressure system, is preferably at least 10 mbarg, preferably at least 15 mbarg.

[0038] It should be noted that the term "barg" as used herein has its technical meaning known to those skilled in the art, i.e., this measurement is a relative pressure measured with respect to ambient pressure, in other words, it is equal to the absolute pressure minus the atmospheric pressure or pressure of the storage space.

[0039] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the means for depressurizing the intermediate layer comprise at least one pump connected to at least one opening in the wall of the tank so as to generate an average vacuum.

[0040] In this context, the tank wall preferably comprises a plurality of openings distributed over the tank wall. In the context of the present invention, the term "distributed" refers to the fact that, if there are only two openings, the openings are present in the upper and lower wall, and, if there are at least three openings, openings are also present in the side wall. If there are more than three openings, the tank wall advantageously comprises a number of openings proportional to the length of each wall.

[0041] The installation advantageously comprises at least one corner connection piece sealingly fixed to the inner surface at the intersection of the upper and / or lower and / or side wall with the corner piece, the edges of the corner connection piece being in contact with each of the at least two adjacent walls, and advantageously the corner connection piece having a cross-sectional shape at least part of which is circular.

[0042] In the remainder of the description, one embodiment of this connection piece will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] According to one possibility offered by the invention, the corner connecting piece comprises at least one communicating channel extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of the connecting piece for connecting the drainage layers present on each of two adjacent walls and / or a channel extending substantially along the axis of the connecting piece, in particular for the flow of liquefied gas and / or hazardous liquid contained in the tank.

[0044] This type of connection part differs from the anchoring and sealing functions of the connection part, inter alia: During the pressing phase, the pressure in the intermediate layer is reduced, but a similar (even lesser) reduction in pressure in the storage space is undesirable due to the presence of air bubbles in the intermediate layer. - during the external fluid detection phase (i.e. during detection of fluid coming from the storage space or from outside the tank) to ensure that the gas is fully circulated between the various walls; The intermediate layer is provided for gas flow.

[0045] In a particular feature of the invention, the intermediate or drainage layers do not have an insulating function, so that if insulation is necessary or desirable, it is a separate element from the intermediate / drainage layers and is preferably located on the outside of the tank if the tank is a Type A, Type B or Type C tank according to the IGC Code.

[0046] According to one possibility offered by the invention, the intermediate layer is advantageously a drainage layer intended to drain liquids coming from the storage space of the tank or coming from outside the tank.

[0047] The fluid detection device advantageously comprises means capable of raising an alarm if such a fluid is detected.

[0048] Such an alarm may be visual and / or audible so that the operator notices it as soon as possible, and may simultaneously and automatically trigger a system for securing the tank and its surroundings, for example by commanding the discharge of the fluid contained in the tank to a safe area or the destruction of said contents, for example by controlled combustion.

[0049] In one embodiment of the invention, the installation comprises a collection section in the lower wall of the tank, located at the lowest point of the tank, and the fluid detection device is able to analyze said collection section to detect the presence of liquid (coming from the storage space or possibly from outside the tank).

[0050] The expression "at the lowest point" means that the collection area is located on the bottom wall of the tank, and advantageously, if this bottom wall is not flat, the collection area is located at the lowest level in the direction of the Earth's gravity. It should be noted that in the case of free-standing tanks, a second barrier retainer of the conventional "drip tray" type has traditionally been provided, located below such tanks at the level of the ship's hull, and forms this collection area in the event of a crack in the tank itself. This secondary retainer of small volume has the primary function of containing leaks of moderate flow rates in order to protect the ship's structure from potentially damaging temperatures, and can be associated with a pumping system intended to expel excessively large leaks.

[0051] The installation advantageously comprises a circulation pump, by means of which the inert gas is circulated between at least one inlet point and at least one outlet point in the intermediate or drainage layer.

[0052] In the context of the present invention, the expression "inert gas" means a gas different from the liquefied gas or hazardous liquid contained in the tank and which is incapable of chemically reacting with the liquefied gas or hazardous liquid, and in particular with all other components in general. This inert gas typically consists of nitrogen or a noble gas such as argon.

[0053] The fluid detection device advantageously detects the presence of gas and / or liquid at an inlet or outlet point, where, according to one possibility provided by the invention, said inlet point is located at the level of the bottom wall of the tank and said outlet point is located at the level of the top wall of the tank.

[0054] Nevertheless, the choice of inlet and outlet openings for the circulating inert gas must be based on the density d of the components (when in gaseous form) contained in the tank in order to benefit from the piston effect. tank and the density of the circulating inert gas, d inert Advantageously, therefore, -d tank >d inertIn the case where the inlet or injection point of the inert gas is located at the top of the tank, i.e. at the level of the upper wall of the tank, and the outlet point of the inert gas is located at the bottom, i.e. at the lower wall of the tank, -d tank <d inert In this case, the inlet or injection point of the inert gas is located at the bottom of the tank, i.e. at the level of the lower wall of the tank, and the outlet point of the inert gas is located at the top of the tank, i.e. at the upper wall of the tank.

[0055] As a non-limiting example, if the tank contains ammonia and the inert gas consists of nitrogen, the inlet or injection point for the inert gas would therefore be located at the bottom of the tank, i.e., the lower wall of the tank, and the outlet point would be located at the top of the tank, i.e., the upper wall of the tank.

[0056] According to one possibility offered by the invention, the installation comprises at least one device for filtering the gas circulating in the drainage layer, which makes it possible to separate particles coming from, in particular, liquefied gases and / or hazardous liquids.

[0057] The two main advantages of providing this type of device for separating gases, in particular for separating inert gases from gases coming from the tank or from outside the tank, are: - Inert gas operates in a closed loop when no leaks are present; - Such filtration (also called "open loop" filtration) allows the collection and storage of gases coming from the tank or from the outside, if these gases are toxic, provided, inter alia, that the circulating gases are not circulating in a so-called closed loop. is.

[0058] Of course, such filtration is not the only solution if an open loop is available. The circulating gas may also be injected into a burner at the outlet. In the case of a tank containing ammonia, the vapor (exit gas) is washed with water so that the ammonium solution can be recovered and treated independently.

[0059] Preferably, the fluid detection device is a mass spectrometer, an infrared spectrometer, an electrochemical cell and / or a catharometer.

[0060] In the situation where the tank contains ammonia, the fluid detection device is advantageously an electrochemical cell, i.e. a battery in which ammonia is supplied to the electrolyte of the cell. Alternatively, a capacitive sensor may be provided that measures the change in the dielectric constant of an open capacitor, or absorption spectroscopy or mass spectrometry may be used. Naturally, the choice of the most suitable fluid detection device will depend, inter alia, on the nature of the fluid contained in the tank.

[0061] The intermediate or drainage layer advantageously comprises: - Mats, felts, meshes or fabrics of glass fibres, basalt fibres, polyethylene fibres and / or polypropylene fibres and aggregates thereof; or - Aggregate materials based on resin and mineral granulations and / or polymers, or - composite materials comprising a thermosetting matrix, preferably an epoxy-based thermosetting matrix, or a thermoplastic matrix, preferably a polyethylene-, polypropylene- and / or polyamide-based thermoplastic matrix, preferably reinforced with glass or basalt fibres or wood particles; It consists of:

[0062] Regarding the nature of the interlayer or drainage layer, the detection of fluids requires a material that can withstand the relevant working pressures (when a vacuum is applied to press against the interlayer or drainage layer, or when gas circulates, or when the interlayer or drainage layer requires the application of localized pressure) and still have a water permeability that allows gas circulation. Thus, in certain applications, particle board panels, wood particles co-extruded with a thermoplastic matrix, or fiber cement panels can be envisaged.

[0063] Generally, in the case of non-planar tank wall geometries, a "fabric" approach (fiber mats, felts, meshes or woven fabrics, as well as aggregate materials based on resin and mineral granules and / or polymers) is preferred, in which intermediate or drainage layers are adapted to the tank wall. Without limiting the invention, in the case of planar geometries, all the solutions mentioned herein are possible and suitable.

[0064] The means for pressurizing the storage space of the tank preferably comprises a compressor or a reservoir of gas under pressure connected to the storage space of the closed tank so as to deliver pressurized force by means of a neutral gas or a liquefied gas intended for said tank.

[0065] In the context of the present invention, the term "compressor" means any type of means capable of supplying pressurized gas to its inlet pressure, and the expression "neutral gas" means any gas, such as nitrogen, whose properties are different from those of the liquefied gas or hazardous liquid present in the storage space and which is not capable of any chemical reaction or physical interaction with the coating and intermediate layers.

[0066] The liquefied gas and / or hazardous liquid is preferably liquid ammonia, and the invention is in fact intended to be particularly applicable to tanks containing ammonia, although not exclusively so.

[0067] The metallic tanks are preferably freestanding tanks of Type A, Type B or Type C according to the definitions given by the IGC Code.

[0068] An independent tank is a tank that is self-supporting. It does not form part of the ship's hull and is not integral to the strength of the hull. There are three categories of independent tanks: Type A, Type B or Type C tanks.

[0069] For example, Type A tanks are tanks designed essentially based on conventional analytical methods for ship construction in accordance with recognized standards. When these tanks are constructed essentially with flat surfaces, the calculated vapor pressure P o The pressure must be less than 0.07 MPa (megapascals). If the temperature of the cargo at atmospheric pressure is less than -10°C, a secondary barrier must be provided as specified in paragraph 4.5 of the IGC Code. This barrier must be designed in accordance with the provisions of that IGC Code.

[0070] The invention also relates to a method for installing a covering layer and an intermediate / drainage layer on a tank of a storage facility for liquefied gases and / or hazardous liquids, according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following successive steps: - fixing an intermediate / drainage layer to the inner surface of the wall of the tank; - securing a cover layer to the intermediate / drainage layer; - preferably bringing the tank to operating temperature; - depressurizing the intermediate layer to an average vacuum of at least 5mbarg, preferably at least 10mbarg or pressurizing the storage space of the tank to a pressure of at least 5mbarg, preferably at least 10mbarg; The present invention relates to a method, including:

[0071] The expression "brought to the working temperature" means that the covering layer is exposed to a temperature equal to or slightly greater than the temperature of the liquefied gas or hazardous liquid intended to occupy the storage space. More precisely, this working temperature is equal to the temperature T of the liquefied gas or hazardous liquid plus 20°C (T+20°C), preferably plus 10°C (T+10°C).

[0072] The present invention also relates to a vessel for transporting liquefied gases and / or hazardous liquids, comprising a hull, an exterior deck, at least one interior deck, and a storage facility as briefly described herein, located within the hull, on the exterior deck or on the interior deck.

[0073] Again, as mentioned above, the present invention is intended to apply equally to storage facilities comprising closed tanks which may consist of above-ground reservoirs, semi-underground or underground (Ground Storage (GBS)) reservoirs or offshore reservoirs. These tanks or reservoirs may be located on land or on floating structures. In the case of floating structures, the tanks may be tanks intended for the transport of liquefied gases or hazardous liquids, or tanks intended to contain liquids to serve as fuel for the propulsion of the floating structure.

[0074] The present invention also relates to a transfer system for a chilled liquid product, the system including a vessel as described herein, an insulated pipe arranged to connect a tank located within the hull of the vessel to a floating or land-based external storage facility, and a pump facilitating flow of the chilled liquid product through the insulated pipe from the floating or land-based external storage facility to the vessel's tank or from the vessel's tank to the floating or land-based external storage facility.

[0075] Finally, the present invention relates to a method for loading or unloading a vessel as described herein, wherein the chilled liquid product is supplied through an insulated pipe from a floating or land-based external storage facility to the vessel's tanks or from the vessel's tanks to a floating or land-based external storage facility.

[0076] The invention will be better understood and other objects, details, features and advantages will become more clearly apparent in the course of the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings of particular embodiments of the invention, given as illustrative and non-limiting examples. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0077] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic representation of a storage facility according to a first embodiment of the invention, in which the pressing system comprises means for depressurizing the intermediate layer; FIG. [Figure 2] 3 shows a schematic representation of a storage facility according to a second embodiment of the invention, in which the pressing system comprises means for pressurizing the storage space of the tank; FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of a storage facility in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in which a device for detecting fluid at intermediate levels is installed and employed; FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a corner piece that can be used in a tank of a storage facility according to the present invention; [Figure 5] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic view of another corner part that can be used in the tank of the storage facility according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a corner connection piece between the walls of the tanks of the storage facility according to the invention; FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a methane tanker ship storage facility and a terminal for loading / unloading the storage facility's tanks. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0078] As used herein, the term "vertical" means extending in the direction of the Earth's gravitational field. As used herein, the term "horizontal" means extending in a direction perpendicular to the vertical.

[0079] In the following, the invention will be described with reference to ships. Indeed, it is particularly in ship-type structures housing prior art storage facilities that the Applicant has been able to identify potential malfunctions and thus solve them with the present invention. Nevertheless, it may be envisaged to apply the features of the invention to different types of structures, for example reservoir-type structures, on land or offshore.

[0080] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment in which the system for compressing the intermediate layer 5 comprises a pump 6 connected to a number of openings 7 provided in the various side walls 8, the top wall 9 and the bottom wall 10 of a tank 71 of a storage facility 1 according to the invention.

[0081] Here, there are 15 openings 7 distributed in a balanced manner according to the dimensions of each of the walls 8, 9, 10 to create an even vacuum across the intermediate or drainage layer 5. When the pump 6 is activated to reduce the pressure on the intermediate layer 5, it presses against the walls 8, 9 or 10 of the tank 71, moving the cover layer 3 along with it.

[0082] As mentioned above, the intermediate layer 5 may be attached to a support surface, in this example the walls 8, 9 or 10 of the tank 71, by gluing or any kind of separate fastening means. Alternatively, the intermediate layer 5 is attached to the covering layer 3 and lines the surfaces of the walls 8, 9, 10 that are not intended to receive joints or fastening areas.

[0083] The sealed covering layer 3 consists of pieces of polymer material fabric joined together by welding, vulcanization or adhesive bonding, while the intermediate layer 5, in addition to the above characteristics, can consist of a plate made of a material such as a thermosetting composite, preferably an epoxy-based thermosetting composite, or a thermoplastic composite, preferably a polyethylene (PE)-, polypropylene (PP)-, polyamide (PA)-based thermoplastic composite, optionally reinforced / filled with glass or basalt fibers, and which can be monolithic or extended and machined or molded on at least one of its faces to create a series of channels allowing the flow of gas in the intermediate layer 5.

[0084] During the process of applying the covering layer 3 and the intermediate layer 5, it is advantageous to bring the tank to the working temperature once the covering layer 3 and the intermediate layer 5 have been applied and fixed. As mentioned above, this step of reaching the working temperature aims to stretch the covering layer 3, which has high elastic properties, so that when the tank 71 is filled with liquefied gas and / or hazardous liquid, at the moment of depressurizing the intermediate layer 5, the covering layer 3 will be pressed against the intermediate layer 5, which has the smoothest surface without any irregularities or top layer.

[0085] Naturally, this working temperature will most often be a temperature below zero if the tank contains a liquefied gas, which will result in more or less shrinkage of the covering layer 3. The Applicant has therefore been able to determine that, particularly in the case of liquefied gas, it is particularly advantageous to reach a temperature that is identical to or slightly greater than the average temperature of the liquefied gas, i.e. up to 10°C above that average temperature of the liquefied gas (with this type of liquid there may be some temperature variation between the upper and lower layers), or up to 20°C above that average temperature, depending on the liquefied gas present in the tank 71. Nevertheless, reaching this working temperature is likewise advantageous in situations where the hazardous liquid contained in the tank is at a temperature above, close to or slightly above 0°C.

[0086] The elastic properties of the covering layer 3 are also high, and the covering layer 3 advantageously has a burst capacity elongation of 100% to 300%. In contrast to the application of the covering layer 3 to the tank 71, this type of covering layer 3 also makes it possible to improve the robustness of the tank 71 against collision accidents, sideways collisions or objects falling on the tank 71. Therefore, in the event of a severe impact being applied to the tank 71, the tank 71 is actually prone to localized tearing, which will result in the loss of the tank 71's sealed container function. The covering layer 3 undergoes substantially the same deformations, but due to the elastic properties of the covering layer 3 and the advantageously discontinuous anchoring / fixing between the covering layer 3 / intermediate layer 5 combination and the walls 8, 9, 10 of the tank 71 (so as to distribute any local deformations of the structure over a wide area), or because these anchoring / fixing areas are able to absorb mechanical forces mechanically and / or by means of the intrinsic properties of the anchoring / fixing areas, or conversely, have properties such that the covering layer yields to a certain extent before being damaged, the covering layer 3 maintains its sealing properties even in the event of deformations that lead to a so-called open rupture of the tank 71.

[0087] In addition, the polymer forming the coating layer 3 has a glass transition temperature T 1 that is lower than the temperature of liquefied gases, in particular, but also lower than the temperature of hazardous liquids. v is advantageous, since it makes it possible to have a layer 3 that is sufficiently malleable and elastic, on the one hand, for applying the layer 3 to the tank, but also for the layer 3 to resist any mechanical stresses or forces that the tank 71 may be subjected to when subsequently filling the tank.

[0088] If the tank 71 containing ammonia takes into account that the boiling point of ammonia at atmospheric pressure is minus 34 degrees Celsius (-34°C), it is therefore advantageous to select a polymer or a mixture of polymers (at least one of the polymers in the case of a mixture of polymers) that has a glass transition temperature lower than -34°C. Different qualities of elasticity and elongation at break may be achieved with a T of about -55°C. vis typically a particularly interesting candidate for forming the covering layer 3 of the tank 71 of the storage facility 1 according to the invention. In this type of situation, it is particularly advantageous to reach a working temperature of -34°C before or at the moment of depressurizing the intermediate layer 5.

[0089] As will become clear below, particularly in the context of the pressurization of the storage space 4 of the tank 71 shown in the accompanying Figure 2, the reaching of the working temperature can be simultaneous with the pressurization step by injection of pressurized gas or liquid droplets at a temperature equal to or slightly higher than the temperature of the contents of the tank 71. Injection of ammonia vapor or gas under pressure into the tank 71 typically allows the pressurization step and the step of reaching the working temperature to be carried out simultaneously, these two steps being intended to result in an optimal pressing and optimal positioning of the coating layer 3 within the tank 71. As mentioned above, it is important to note that the step of reaching the working temperature is not an essential step, even if it is necessary or advantageous.

[0090] Figure 2 shows a variant in which the pressing system of the storage facility 1 according to the invention comprises pressurizing means 11 which may consist of a reservoir or a compressor or the like connected to the storage space 4 of a tank 71, ideally containing a gas under pressure of the same nature as the liquefied gas and / or hazardous liquid.

[0091] Thus, in this variant, the pressurization of the storage space 4 makes it possible to obtain the same or substantially the same results as in the context of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, possibly accompanied by a step of reaching the operating temperature as described above.

[0092] Although described herein independently with reference to the accompanying Figures 1 and 2, it is entirely possible to combine the first and second embodiments in order to obtain a pressing system comprising means 6 for depressurizing the intermediate layer 5 and means 11 for pressurizing the storage space 4 of the tank 71.

[0093] Figure 3 shows a storage facility 1 according to the present invention, which is equipped with a device for detecting fluid coming from the storage space 4 or from outside the tank 71 in a situation where the tank 71 of the storage facility 1 is damaged and the sealing of the tank 71 is lost at least locally.

[0094] In this embodiment in which the storage facility 1 includes a fluid detection device, the intermediate layer 5 may be a drainage layer, although this type of layer is particularly advantageous when the fluid to be detected is essentially liquid (not essentially in gaseous form) and the tank has a collection portion which, as mentioned above, is not shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0095] Whether the intermediate layer 5 is a drainage layer or not, the intermediate chamber 5 must be permeable to gas. Thus, in the complete configuration shown in Figure 3, the detection device comprises at least one means 21 for circulating an inert gas in the intermediate / drainage layer 5 and one means 20 for analyzing the circulating gas so as to make it possible to detect a fluid contained in the tank 71 and / or likely arriving from outside the tank 71, such as air, if the amount of oxygen (O2) detected is too high.

[0096] Thus, in this specification, a detection device of this kind comprises a circulation pump 21 for circulating inert gas from a reservoir 22 of said inert gas to an inlet 23 and then an outlet 24 of the intermediate / drain layer 5. The circulating gas coming from the intermediate / drain layer 5 is then analysed by analysis means 20, which are connected to control means 25 able to manage / command said analysis means 20 to detect the presence of possibly significant amounts of "foreign" fluid (i.e. fluid coming from space 4 or from outside the tank 71) (a quantity threshold may be pre-set to define whether the detection of a foreign component or body should be positive or not), thereby activating an alarm and / or auxiliary safety measures for the storage facility 1 or surrounding structures, vessel 70 or otherwise.

[0097] In this type of embodiment, the circulation pump 21 can function as a pump for applying a vacuum to press the intermediate / drainage layer 5 against the tank 71 for installation and fixing of the intermediate / drainage layer 5 in the tank 71. Thus, in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, it is possible to achieve both pressing of the intermediate / drainage layer 5 against the walls 8, 9, 10 of the tank 71 and detection of any leakage from the storage space 4 or loss of the seal of the tank 71 itself.

[0098] Furthermore, although the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2 showing a system for pressing the intermediate layer / drainage layer 5 and the embodiment of Figure 3 showing a method for detecting fluid after loss of the seal of the storage space 4 and / or the seal of the tank 71 have been described independently, both of these embodiments may be combined with each other, and advantageously an embodiment of two or three of these embodiments may be adopted.

[0099] As indicated above, the analysis means 20 may be an electrochemical cell, an infrared spectrometer or a mass spectrometer. In the situation where the tank 71 contains ammonia, the analysis means 20 advantageously consists of an electrochemical cell.

[0100] Optionally, the detection device 20, 21 may advantageously comprise means 26 for cleaning, e.g. rinsing and / or filtering, the gas circulating in the intermediate / drainage layer 5, which means may direct some or all of said circulating gas to a gas discharge stack 27 conventionally present on a vessel 70 for the transport of liquefied gases and / or hazardous liquids.

[0101] Assuming that the circulating inert gas is used in a loop system, i.e., that said inert gas is recovered for reuse in several circulation loops, the detection devices 20, 21 may be equipped with metering means 28 capable of delivering a sufficient amount of inert gas for the (re)circulation of the inert gas in the intermediate / drainage layer 5, regardless of the need for replenishment coming from the reservoir 22. Additionally, Figure 3 shows a certain number of valves 29 allowing the management of the circulation of the inert gas, the number or positions of the valves 29 being neither exhaustive nor accurate.

[0102] As with the system for pressing the intermediate / drainage layer 5 (shown in two embodiments in Figures 1 and 2) and the system 20, 21 for detecting liquid or gas coming from the storage space 4 in the event of loss of sealing of the covering layer 3 and / or liquid or gas coming from outside said storage space 4 in the event of loss of sealing of the tank (shown in one embodiment in Figure 3), the essential feature of the invention in its broadest sense is the presence of the intermediate / drainage layer 5 and the fact that, due to its (high) permeability to gas, this permeability allows the circulation of gas for one and / or the other functions linked by a common principle.

[0103] 4 and 5 show, in schematic cross section, corner pieces 35, 36 which can be arranged and fixed between the walls 8, 9, 10 of the tank 71, for example between the side wall 8 and the bottom wall 10 as shown in these two figures.

[0104] These corner pieces 35, 36 advantageously have a connection radius to the inner surface of the tank comprised between 50 and 1000 mm, so that the covering layer 3 and the intermediate / drainage layer 5 are well supported against corner pressure.

[0105] The corner piece 36 can consist of a molded or extruded polymer bar with an overmolded metal insert and is intended to be welded to the wall 8, 10 of the tank 71 and placed in the edge profile. The anchoring area of ​​the corner piece 36 is then covered by the edge of the intermediate second profile section.

[0106] 6 shows a variant in which a corner connection piece 37 is fixed between two adjacent walls 8, 10 of a tank 71. The corner connection piece 37 can consist of a metal pipe sector, the radius of which is an appropriate radius of curvature taking into account the angle between the two adjacent walls 8, 10, i.e. the angle of the edge of the corner of this associated tank 71. The pipe sector can then be covered with a polymer liner which is fixed to the tank 71 by vulcanization or adhesive bonding.

[0107] Unlike the anchoring of the covering layer 3 and / or the intermediate / drainage layer 5 in the areas where the corner pieces 35, 36 or corner connecting pieces 37 are fixed, the covering layer 3 and / or the intermediate / drainage layer 5 for large tanks are advantageously anchored discontinuously, i.e. locally, to the walls 8, 9, 10 of the tank 71.

[0108] This anchoring can be achieved, for example, by continuously or otherwise adhering the cover layer 3 and / or intermediate / drainage layer 5 to the walls 8, 9, 10 of the tank 71. On the vertical walls 8 of the tank 71, the fabric forming the cover layer 3 and / or intermediate / drainage layer 5 can be characterized by substantially continuous horizontally adhered areas, for example, 10 to 50 centimeters (cm) high and spaced 2 to 5 meters apart from one another.

[0109] In the top wall 9 and the side walls 8, a closer bond, possibly due to a specific interlocking, makes it possible to prevent the formation of excessive wells in the non-anchored areas. In the non-anchored areas, a complete bond can also be envisaged by the use of a covering layer 3 facing the intermediate / drainage layer 5. In this case, the material of the intermediate / drainage layer 5 is directly bonded to the walls 8, 9, 10 of the tank 71.

[0110] Figure 7 shows an example of a storage facility according to the invention, i.e. a maritime terminal including a loading and unloading station 75, underwater pipes 76 and surface facilities 77, which cooperate with a tank 71, which preferably has its essential features as expressed in the context of the first or second embodiment described herein, but advantageously also has some or all of its additional features. It should be noted that in Figure 7 the tank 71 is installed at the level of the interior deck of the vessel 70, but the same tank could of course also be installed at the level of the upper deck or any other part of the hull of the vessel 70.

[0111] The tank may obviously be integrated in a conventional manner, so that it can freely contract relative to the hull of the vessel 70 and is not subject to the same elongation. In this case, the tank 71 rests on a support surface integrated into the hull, possibly equipped with a thermal bridge breaker, for example made of wood. The specific areas of the lower wall 10 of the tank 71 are guided in both directions, and abutment shoes located on the hull, walls, and ceiling act as anti-floating means, so that the tank remains attached to the vessel 70 in the event of a loss of buoyancy of the vessel 70 itself. In this configuration, the tank 71 is advantageously insulated on the outside, for example by a layer of 50 to 150 millimeters (mm) of low-density foam coated with a fire-retardant, limiting heat flow to and from the contents of the tank 71.

[0112] Integrated systems for liquefied gases whose equilibrium temperature at subatmospheric pressure exceeds -50°C may be envisaged, in which the tank 71 forms part of the structure of the vessel 70, or in other words, part of the vessel 70 functions as the tank 71. At these temperatures, low-carbon steel indeed makes it possible to ensure that, unlike certain other thermal arrangements, loss of elasticity is not dangerous to the structure. In this case, external insulation is also envisaged.

[0113] The loading and unloading station 75 is a fixed offshore facility that includes a mobile arm 74 and a tower 78 that supports the mobile arm 74. The mobile arm 74 carries a bundle of insulated flexible tubing 79 that can be connected to the loading / unloading pipe 73. The rotatable mobile arm 74 accommodates all methane tanker loading gauges. A connecting pipe (not shown) extends inside the tower 78. The loading and unloading station 75 allows loading of methane tankers 70 from a surface facility 77 or unloading of methane tankers 70 from the surface facility 77. The surface facility 77 includes a liquefied gas storage tank 80 and a connecting pipe 81 that is connected to the loading and unloading station 75 via an underwater pipe 76. The underwater pipes 76 allow the transfer of liquefied gas between the loading and unloading station 75 and the land facility 77 over long distances, for example 5 km, which allows the methane tanker vessel 70 to remain at a distance from shore during loading and unloading operations.

[0114] Pumps on board the vessel 70 and / or pumps provided at the land facility 77 and / or pumps provided at the loading and unloading station 75 are used to generate the pressure required for the transfer of the liquefied gas.

[0115] Although the present invention has been described with reference to several particular embodiments, it is in no way limited thereto, but it is clear that it encompasses all technical equivalents and combinations of the means described, provided they fall within the scope of the invention.

[0116] Use of the verb "to include" or "to comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim.

[0117] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

Claims

1. A storage facility (1) for liquefied gases and / or liquids, comprising: a sealed tank (71) for storing said liquefied gas and / or said liquid, said tank (71) being a metal tank (71) having a wall with an inner surface and an outer surface, said wall including a lower wall (10), an upper wall (9) and a side wall (8) connecting said lower wall (10) and said upper wall (9), and defining a space (4) for storing said liquefied gas and / or said liquid; a deformable covering layer (3) made of a polymer material or a mixture of polymer materials, covering the internal surface of the walls (8, 9, 10) of the tank (71); In a storage facility (1), The storage facility (1) comprises an intermediate layer (5) arranged between the covering layer (3) and the walls (8, 9, 10) of the tank (71), the covering layer (3) being discontinuously anchored and / or fixed to the intermediate layer (5) and / or the intermediate layer being discontinuously anchored and / or fixed to the walls (8, 9, 10), the intermediate layer (5) being - so that the intermediate layer (5) and thus the covering layer (3) is pressed against the walls (8, 9, 10) of the tank (71), and / or - by means of a fluid detection device (20, 21) it is possible to detect liquids or gases coming from the storage space (4) in the event of a loss of sealing of the covering layer (3) and / or liquids or gases coming from outside the storage space (4) in the event of a loss of sealing of the tank (71), Allows gas to circulate, The storage facility (1) has a collection portion located at the lowest point of the tank (71) on the lower wall (10) of the tank (71), and the fluid detection device (20, 21) can analyze the collection portion to detect the presence of liquid.

2. To press the intermediate layer (5), the storage facility (1) comprises a pressing system for pressing the intermediate layer (5) against the walls (8, 9, 10) of the tank (71), the pressing system comprising: - means (6) for depressurizing said intermediate layer (5) with an average vacuum of at least 5 mbarg, and / or - means (11) for pressurizing said storage space (4) of said tank (71) with an average pressure of at least 5 mbarg; 2. The storage facility (1) according to claim 1, comprising:

3. The intermediate layer (5) is - anchored by mechanical and / or chemical means to the wall (8, 9, 10) of the tank (71), and / or - adhered to said covering layer (3), 3. A storage facility (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The coating layer (3) has a glass transition temperature T lower than the liquefaction temperature of the liquefied gas and / or hazardous liquid at atmospheric pressure. ｖ 4. The storage facility (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising:

5. 5. The storage facility (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the covering layer (3) consists of an elastomer.

6. To press the intermediate layer (5), the storage facility (1) comprises a pressing system for pressing the intermediate layer (5) against the walls (8, 9, 10) of the tank (71), the pressing system comprising: - comprising means (6) for depressurizing said intermediate layer (5) with an average vacuum of at least 5 mbarg, 6. The storage facility (1) according to claim 1, 3 or 5, wherein the means (6) comprises at least one pump (6, 21) connected to at least one opening (7) in the wall (8, 9, 10) of the tank (71) so as to create the average reduced pressure.

7. A storage facility (1) for liquefied gases and / or liquids, comprising: a sealed tank (71) for storing said liquefied gas and / or said liquid, said tank (71) being a metal tank (71) having a wall with an inner surface and an outer surface, said wall including a lower wall (10), an upper wall (9) and a side wall (8) connecting said lower wall (10) and said upper wall (9), and defining a space (4) for storing said liquefied gas and / or said liquid; a deformable covering layer (3) made of a polymer material or a mixture of polymer materials, covering the internal surface of the walls (8, 9, 10) of the tank (71); In a storage facility (1), The storage facility (1) comprises an intermediate layer (5) arranged between the covering layer (3) and the walls (8, 9, 10) of the tank (71), the covering layer (3) being discontinuously anchored and / or fixed to the intermediate layer (5) and / or the intermediate layer being discontinuously anchored and / or fixed to the walls (8, 9, 10), the intermediate layer (5) being - so that the intermediate layer (5) and thus the covering layer (3) is pressed against the walls (8, 9, 10) of the tank (71), and / or - by means of a fluid detection device (20, 21) it is possible to detect liquids or gases coming from the storage space (4) in the event of a loss of sealing of the covering layer (3) and / or liquids or gases coming from outside the storage space (4) in the event of a loss of sealing of the tank (71), Allows gas to circulate, The storage facility (1), wherein the intermediate layer (5) is a drainage layer intended to drain liquid coming from the storage space (4) of the tank (71) or from outside the tank (71).

8. 8. The storage facility (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a circulation pump (21) for circulating an inert gas between at least one inlet point (23) and at least one outlet point (24) in the intermediate or drainage layer (5).

9. 9. The storage facility (1) of claim 8, wherein the fluid detection device (20, 21) detects the presence of gas and / or liquid at the inlet point (23) or the outlet point (24).

10. 10. The storage facility (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the fluid detection device (20, 21) is a mass spectrometer, an infrared spectrometer, an electrochemical cell and / or a catharometer.

11. The intermediate or drainage layer (5) - mats, felts, meshes or fabrics of glass fibres, basalt fibres, polyethylene fibres and / or polypropylene fibres and aggregates thereof, or - Aggregate materials based on resin and mineral granulates and / or polymers, or - composite materials containing a thermosetting matrix 11. The storage facility (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising:

12. A storage facility (1) for liquefied gases and / or liquids, comprising: a sealed tank (71) for storing said liquefied gas and / or said liquid, said tank (71) being a metal tank (71) having a wall with an inner surface and an outer surface, said wall including a lower wall (10), an upper wall (9) and a side wall (8) connecting said lower wall (10) and said upper wall (9), and defining a space (4) for storing said liquefied gas and / or said liquid; a deformable covering layer (3) made of a polymer material or a mixture of polymer materials, covering the internal surface of the walls (8, 9, 10) of the tank (71); In a storage facility (1), The storage facility (1) comprises an intermediate layer (5) arranged between the covering layer (3) and the walls (8, 9, 10) of the tank (71), the covering layer (3) being discontinuously anchored and / or fixed to the intermediate layer (5) and / or the intermediate layer being discontinuously anchored and / or fixed to the walls (8, 9, 10), the intermediate layer (5) being - so that the intermediate layer (5) and thus the covering layer (3) is pressed against the walls (8, 9, 10) of the tank (71), and / or - by means of a fluid detection device (20, 21) it is possible to detect liquids or gases coming from the storage space (4) in the event of a loss of sealing of the covering layer (3) and / or liquids or gases coming from outside the storage space (4) in the event of a loss of sealing of the tank (71), Allows gas to circulate, The storage facility (1) comprises a means (11) for pressurizing the storage space (4) of the tank (71) comprising a compressor or a reservoir of gas under pressure, the compressor or the reservoir being connected to the storage space (4) of the closed tank (71) so as to deliver a pressurizing force by a neutral gas or the liquefied gas intended for the tank.

13. 13. The storage facility (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the liquefied gas and / or hazardous liquid consists of liquid ammonia.

14. 14. The storage facility (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the metal tank (71) comprises an independent tank of type A, type B or type C according to the definition given by the IGC Code.

15. 15. A method for installing a covering layer (3) and an intermediate / drainage layer (5) in a tank (71) of a storage facility (1) for liquefied gases and / or hazardous liquids according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising the following successive steps: - fixing an intermediate / drainage layer (5) to the inner surface of the walls (8, 9, 10) of the tank (71); - fixing a cover layer (3) to said intermediate / drainage layer (5); - depressurizing said intermediate layer (5) with an average vacuum of at least 5 mbarg or pressurizing said storage space (4) of said tank with a pressure of at least 5 mbarg; A method comprising:

16. A ship (70) for transporting liquefied gas and / or hazardous liquid, comprising a hull, an outer deck, at least one inner deck, and a storage facility (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 arranged within the hull, on the outer deck or on the inner deck.

17. 17. A transfer system for a chilled liquid product, comprising: a vessel (70) according to claim 16; an insulated pipe (73, 79, 76, 81) arranged to connect the tank (71) installed within the hull of the vessel to a floating or land-based external storage facility (77); and a pump for facilitating flow of chilled liquid product through the insulated pipe from the floating or land-based external storage facility to the tank of the vessel or from the tank of the vessel to the floating or land-based external storage facility.

18. 17. A method for loading or unloading a vessel (70) according to claim 16, wherein a chilled liquid product is supplied to the tank of the vessel (71) from a floating or land-based external storage facility (77) or from the tank of the vessel (71) to the floating or land-based external storage facility (77) through an insulated pipe (73, 79, 76, 81).

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